Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Discuss in detail how the government can ensure sustainable development
Sustainable development is an organizing principle that aims to meet human development goals while also enabling natural systems to provide necessary natural resources and ecosystem services to humans.
Discuss in detail how the government can ensure sustainable development (Environmental Sustainability)
INTRODUCTION
Environmental sustainability can be defined as development that meets the need of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. 🗸🗸
BODY: MAIN PART
Public sector intervention
Because it is difficult to enforce measures to ensure sustainability the government has to intervene. 🗸🗸
Environmental taxes
Environmental taxes (green taxes) can be added to the cost of goods and services for the negative impact they have on the environment. 🗸🗸
The government uses the income generated through these taxes to protect the environment. 🗸🗸
Taxes can be imposed on petrol, paper, emission gases etc. 🗸🗸
In 2003 the government has legislated the use of biodegradable plastic bags which consumers had to pay for🗸🗸
The hope is that they will use fewer bags and ensure a litter free environment. 🗸🗸
Charging for dumping of waste
A monthly fee as part of municipal accounts is charged for collection of waste, sewage and garbage. 🗸🗸
Households already pay for the collection of rubbish. 🗸🗸
The factory owner might clean up his waste if it cost him to dump it. 🗸🗸
Industries might also pay for emitting gases that can be harmful to people and the environment. 🗸🗸
Subsidies
Subsidies can be awarded to businesses that are willing to reduce pollution and waste. 🗸🗸
Waste can also be reduced by using new techniques or equipment such as solar energy. 🗸🗸
Emission gases from factories can be reduced using new technology. 🗸🗸
Granting property rights
Normally owners of properties tend to be more protective over their resources than users who are only interested in the profits the resources offer. 🗸🗸
For this reason the government might grant property rights over a specific area. 🗸🗸
Property rights empowers owners to negotiate contracts with businesses who wish to exploit the area’s resources. 🗸🗸
Marketable permits
A government can decide on the maximum desired level of pollution in an area. 🗸🗸
It then distribute pollution rights (marketable permits) to factories within that area. 🗸🗸
This means that each factory can pollute to a certain limit. 🗸🗸
It means that marketable permits are licenses that polluters can buy or sell to meet the control levels set by government. 🗸🗸
Education
Incorporating topics into the curriculum of school fosters awareness. 🗸🗸
The public is gradually been made aware of this rising problem. 🗸🗸
Plastic, bottles and cartons can be recycled or made biodegradable. 🗸🗸
Public sector control
If the government’s intervention does not attain the desired results, then it has to intervene more directly by setting and enforcing limits. 🗸🗸
Environmental Impact Assessment
In SA every projected construction, mining or similar development has to undergo an assessment by qualified environmental professionals. 🗸🗸
To prove that it will not cause unwarranted environmental damage and that the damage can be repaired after construction. 🗸🗸
The cost if built into the project. 🗸🗸
Command and Control
Regulations that are set and enforce environmental limits or standards. 🗸🗸
Quantity: e.g. set the limit to the amount of fish to catch, or limit the season catching certain species of fish. 🗸🗸
Quality: e.g. drinking water quality is carefully monitored and controlled. 🗸🗸
Air quality in workplace is subject to minimum standards. 🗸🗸
Social effect: e.g. noxious fumes from factories, dumping of medical waste near settlements, and noise pollution. 🗸🗸
Voluntary agreements
Agreements between government and businesses voluntarily to address negative environmental impacts of industries. 🗸🗸
Businesses voluntary agree to decrease the emissions of pollutants. 🗸🗸
Most prefer negotiations so that they can tailor their specific needs and include it into their planning🗸🗸
Agreements can be formal, which is legally binding contract or informal. 🗸🗸
[Max 26]
ADDITIONAL PART
Government does not exercise effective control over the continuous dumping of waste because of a lack of coordination between departments. 🗸🗸
The fines imposed on industries that dump waste are too lenient and they continue polluting the environment. 🗸🗸
The minimum standards set for hazardous gas and fuel emissions are not enforced or adjusted. 🗸🗸
The recycling of waste materials are not widely encouraged and promoted and landfill sites are overflowing. 🗸🗸
Government has various laws that is not really effectively implemented. 🗸🗸
Poor service delivery also adds to the problem in certain areas. 🗸🗸
[Accept any other relevant answer]
[Max 10]
CONCLUSION
Each and every individual, business and government needs to stand together to save our planet.
[Accept any other relevant conclusion]
[Max 2]